Protestants

What did the Nazis do to control the Protestant Church?

Initially, the Protestant Church worked with the Nazis. Some of those that opposed the Nazis set up the Pastors' Emergency League in 1933. Those that worked with them created the Reich Church in 1936, led by Ludwig Müller.

Why did the Nazis want to control the Protestant Church?

The Protestant Church was the largest in Germany with 40 million members. This was 58% of the population, so it could form a dangerous opposition group. Their Christian beliefs were opposed to many Nazi beliefs.

How did the Nazis control the Protestant Church?

The Nazis used the Reich Church to control Protestants, by presenting their religious beliefs in a way that supported the Nazi message.

How did Protestants respond to the Nazi attacks on the Protestant Church?

The Protestants responded by:

• ❖ Some pastors set up the Pastors' Emergency League (PEL) in 1933.
• ❖ A new church called the Confessing Church, or Confessional Church, was set up in 1934.
• ❖ Some pastors criticised the Nazi government and approximately 800 were imprisoned in concentration camps.